Milestones

2016

BLOM BANK received several awards, along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK and BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK.

BLOM BANK and Beirut Marathon Association signed an exclusive sponsorship agreement for Beirut Marathon for three consecutive years (2016 – 2017 – 2018).

And as part of its BLOM shabeb program, BLOM BANK honored the top 100 baccalaureate graduates of 2016 and distributed scholarships and prizes amounting to USD 200,000.

With a shared focus on delivering streamlined payment services and solutions, American Express Middle East (AEME) and BLOM BANK Lebanon have joined forces in 2016 to expand the range of premium payment solutions available in Lebanon and to grow the American Express merchant network.

Moreover, BLOM BANK signed, during this year, an agreement to acquire the assets and liabilities of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited – Lebanon.

BLOM BANK continued its expansion by opening two new branches in Chehim and Bekfaya – Lebanon.

Also, BLOM BANK wrote-off in December 2016 its Syrian investments and deconsolidated its operations in Syria.

2015

BLOM BANK received several awards, along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK and BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK.

During this year BLOM BANK honored the top 100 baccalaureate graduates of 2015 and distributed scholarships and prizes amounting to USD 200,000.

Moreover, UberBLOM card was launched, enabling everyone and anyone to enjoy safe, convenient and reliable rides in Beirut or any of the other 330 cities Uber is currently present in.

BLOM BANK continued its expansion by opening a new branch in Bechara El Khoury – Lebanon.

2014

BLOM BANK received several awards, along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK and BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK.

In January 2014, BLOM BANK signed the Investors for Governance & Integrity (IGI) declaration Consequently, BLOM BANK committed to implementing solid corporate governance standards in its portfolio of regional investments to mitigate financial risks and protect its shareholders’ rights.

In May 2014, BLOM BANK announced his partnership with LeMall in the Beirut Traders Shopping card. The cardholders benefited from 3 points with every 1$ spent at any of the merchants available at LeMall Dbayeh, Sin El Fil, or Saida; in addition to 1 point with every 1$ spent anywhere else in the world.

During this year BLOM BANK in collaboration with the Lebanese Army and MasterCard has launched the “Calling Heroes” campaign. This campaign aimed to encourage the society to support the initiative that finances the “Mine Action Program” in Lebanon, and it is aligned with BLOM Bank’s strategy to promote Peace of Mind. By using the “Giving” card to make purchases, cardholders will be able to contribute towards removing mines and cluster bombs from all Lebanese territories.

BLOM BANK continued its expansion to always provide the best of banking services to better cater to its clients through opening new branches in Lebanon: Embassy- Ashrafieh and Dbayeh, and by opening a branch in Irbil - Iraq.

2013

In 2013, BLOM BANK along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK and BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK achieved again reaping different titles and awards. It was named the Best Bank Lebanon for 2013; unanimously form the most important international institutions.

In order to keep on serving better its clientele, BLOM BANK created new innovative products .TOUCH and BLOM BANK launch the touch credit an exclusive, feature-packed credit card that presents cardholders with the convenience of a revolving line of credit along with unmatched rewards that are customizable on a monthly basis.
As an extension of BLOM’s existing touch credit card program, which was introduced in February 2013, a new credit card targeted for touch prepaid line users was launched, a first of its kind in the world seeing that it grants the cardholders free credit instantly when using their cards for purchases.

In collaboration with the Beirut Traders Association and MasterCard, BLOM BANK introduced the Beirut Traders Shopping card with MasterCard. The card enables all retailers to offer their customers liquidity and loyalty benefits, which were previously offered only by very large retailers to their customers due to scale considerations. More than 400 retailers joined the program making it one of the largest networks of rewards programs in Lebanon. A new mobile application was created that allows users to browse through the available offers ranging from clothing stores, electronic retailers, jewelers, furniture galleries, and many others.

By co-launching the Beirut Traders Shopping Card with BLOM, BTA trusts it will be effectively participating in the re-activation of the commercial markets in Lebanon, starting in the capital and ultimately spreading all over Lebanon. Ultimately, regained activity at the commercial level will definitely play a crucial role into regaining better results at the level of our national economy.

BLOM BANK also added a new service to its reward program “Golden points” where clients can have instant redemption to their points/miles through a mobile application. BLOM Bank proves itself as the first in the Middle East to pioneer such an innovative feature that will make its customers’ life easier!

In September 2012, BLOM BANK became conversant with the Non-Smoking law number 174 in order for customers to enjoy their banking experience in a healthy environment. It also assumed the Recycling Social Responsibility with T.E.R.R.E Liban, incorporating the re-use of consumed papers while making it beneficial to the environment.

During 2013 BLOM BANK continued its expansion to always provide the best of banking services to its clients through inaugurating 4 new branches; 3 in Lebanon (Tyr /Athtar, Tripoli Boulevard and Ghobeiry) 1 branch in Jordan (Zarkaa free zone)

2012

In 2012, BLOM BANK along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK and BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK achieved again reaping different titles and awards.

In order to serve better its clientele, BLOM BANK became the first Lebanese Bank to extend its working hours from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm all week long and in all its branches.

In September 2012, BLOM BANK became conversant with the Non-Smoking law number 174 in order for customers to enjoy their banking experience in a healthy environment. It also assumed the Recycling Social Responsibility with T.E.R.R.E Liban, incorporating the re-use of consumed papers while making it beneficial to the environment.

During 2012 as well, BLOM BANK showed support for the Association of Lebanese Industrialists where was signed a multi-year cooperation agreement to provide customized and exclusive financial offers to the members of the said Association. This privileged initiative comes as part of the Bank’s drive to strengthen its contribution to the Lebanese economy in general and to the industrial sector in particular.

BLOM BANK continued its expansion to always provide the best of banking services to better cater to its clients through inaugurating 4 new branches; 2 in Lebanon (Broummana and Jdeideh) and 2 in Jordan (Al Abdali and Al Aqaba). While Bank of Syria and Overseas opened one new branch in Al Baramkeh Free Zone.

2011

For its 60th anniversary in Lebanon as a most distinguished financial institution, BLOM BANK along with its entities BLOMINVEST BANK, BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK and Bank of Syria and Overseas celebrated by being named and granted various prominent titles and awards.

BLOM BANK has also achieved on the products and services level again in 2011; the Bank launched its new eCash service. This one of a kind new service in the Middle East enables customers to send Cash through any device connected to the Internet to anyone. The recipient can withdraw money through any BLOM BANK ATM without the need for a card or a bank account.

BLOM BANK expanded its presence in its strive to always provide the best of banking services to serve its clients better through inaugurating 6 new branches; 4 in Lebanon (Amioun, Baabda, Jib Jinnine, Kfarhbab) and 2 in Jordan (Taj Mall and Wadi Saqra).
While Bank of Syria and Overseas opened one new branch in Rawda.

BLOM BANK also endeavored in many Corporate Social Responsibility fields, namely supporting the De-mining cause while removing more than 26,000 mines from all over the Lebanese territory in collaboration with the Lebanese Mine Action Center.

BLOM BANK France, on the other hand, celebrated 35 years of presence paved with a growing success throughout the years.

2010

Mr. Saad AZHARI has been elected CEO of the year for 2010 in the Middle East from EMEA finance

BLOM BANK has been named Best Retail Bank in the Middle East for 2010 from Banker Middle East. It was also granted the following titles:

Best Bank in Lebanon for 2010 From Global Finance

Best Bank in Lebanon for 2010 From EMEA finance

Best Bank in Lebanon for 2010 from Lebanon Opportunities

No 1 banking brand in Lebanon for 2010 from The Banker (Financial Times Group)

Best Banking Group in Lebanon for 2010 from World Finance

Best Trade Finance Offering in the Middle East for 2010 from Banker Middle East

Best Trade Finance Bank in Lebanon for 2010 from Global Finance

Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Lebanon for 2010 from Global Finance

Best Trade Finance Bank in Lebanon for 2010 from GTR Mena

Best Consumer Internet Bank for 2010 from Global Finance

Strongest Bank Brand in Lebanon for 2010 from Lebanon Opportunities

Healthiest Financial Performance in Lebanon for 2010 from Lebanon Opportunities

Best Branch in Lebanon for 2010 from Lebanon Opportunities

BLOMINEST BANK, the investment arm of BLOM BANK was also named Best Investment Bank in the Middle East for 2010 from Banker Middle East and was granted many other titles such as:

Best Mutual Fund in the Middle East for 2010 from Banker Middle East

Best Asset Manager & Broker Bank for 2010 from EMEA Finance

Best Brokerage Award for 2010 from EMEA Finance

Best Balanced Fund Award for 2010 from MENA FM

Best Local Investment Bank in Lebanon for 2010 from EMEA finance

As for Bank of Syria and Overseas, member of BLOM BANK group was also been granted the title of: Best Bank in Syria for 2010 from Global Finance & from EMEA Finance

BLOMINVEST SAUDI ARABIA, member of BLOM BANK group started operating in Riyad.

BLOM BANK inaugurated 2 new branches, Abbasieh Branch and Bab Idriss

2009

BLOM BANK was named as Best Bank in the Middle East for 2009; this is the first Lebanese bank to be awarded this title. It is an exceptional recognition from the most economic and financial international institution The Banker (Financial Times Group) and from Banker Middle East

BLOM BANK was granted the title of Best Bank in Lebanon for 2009 from The Banker, Global Finance EMEA Finance & World Finance.

In 2009 Asian Bank has selected BLOM BANK as the strongest Bank in Lebanon for 2009.

BLOM BANK was also granted the Highest National Score Rating Aa1.lb from Moody’s

BLOM BANK inaugurated a new branch in Jubaiha - Jordan

BLOM BANK received Six International Awards for best Bank in one Year:

Best Bank in Lebanon from Global Finance

Best Bank for the Use of Technology in the Middle East from Banker Middle East

Best Deal of the Year in Lebanon from The Banker

Best Trade Finance Bank in Lebanon from Global Finance

Best Foreign Exchange Bank in Lebanon from Global Finance

Best Consumer Internet Bank in Lebanon 2007 from Global Finance

2006

On February 2006, BLOM BANK Issued, 3 millions Global Depositary receipts” GDR” for a total amount of USD 276 million. Credit Suisse acted as Global Coordinator, Sole Bookrunner and Lead Manager for the issue and both SHUAA Capital PSC and Global Investment House as co-lead managers

BLOM BANK established on February 2006, BLOM DEVELOPMENT BANK, an Islamic bank that is 99.98% owned by BLOM BANK s.a.l.
The Bank renamed all its affiliated banks to place them all under the BLOM BANK umbrella as such, Banque Banorabe became BLOM BANK FRANCE and Banque Banorient (Suisse) was renamed BLOM Bank Switzerland.

Consequently, all logos of the Group were reworked in order to further strengthen the solidity of the Group and create a unified front.

BANK OF SYRIA AND OVERSEAS opened two new branches one in Hama and the second in Tartous.

AROPE Insurance which is 88.49% owned by BLOM BANK, established on June 2006 one of the first private insurance companies in Syria, named AROPE SYRIA.

BLOM BANK inaugurated 3 new branches in Lebanon; Mansourieh, Zouk Mousbieh and a Retail Branch in Verdun. It opened as well a new branch in Wahadat in Amman- Jordan

BLOM BANK received all the awards granted for Lebanese banks in 2006 by Euromoney magazine; The Best Bank and the Best Investment Bank in Lebanon.

BLOM BANK was awarded as well ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon’ by Global Finance.

On September 2006, AROPE Insurance moved its headquarters to BLOM BANK’s headquarters building in Verdun.
BLOM BANK EGYPT opened 6 new branches in Egypt.

2005

BLOM BANK was selected as ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2005’ by international specialized magazine Global Finance.

BLOM BANK ranked first in the Top 1000 world banks as selected in the July issue of The Banker, registering a significant growth in its international ranking to become the only Lebanese bank among the Top 500 world banks in total assets.

BLOM BANK won the award of ‘Best Debt House in Lebanon’ from Euromoney, a specialized international institution.

BLOM BANK continues to benefit exclusively among Lebanese banks, and for the 5th consecutive year, of the highest financial strength rating from Capital Intelligence, specialized in bank rating in the Middle East.

BANK OF SYRIA AND OVERSEAS, affiliate of BLOM BANK, opened 2 new branches in Damascus, one in Aleppo and one in Lattakia.

BLOM BANK’s share of AROPE INSURANCE increased to reach 88.49%.

BLOM BANK issued series 2005 preferred shares.

BLOM BANK acquired 96.78% of MISR ROMANIAN BANK in December 2005. The Bank was renamed BLOM BANK EGYPT and BLOM BANK currently owns approximately 99% of it.

2004

The Group established the private bank, BANK OF SYRIA AND OVERSEAS. BLOM BANK became the largest shareholder with a 39% share whereas IFC’S share is of 10%. The remaining capital is subscribed by Syria individuals.

BLOM BANK opened new branches in Haret Hreik, Aley and in Aaman – Jordan.

BLOM BANK issued series 2004 Preferred shares for USD 75 million, which are considered as Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital.Mr. Amr AZHARI was appointed as Assistant General Manager of BLOM BANK.

BLOM BANK won the awards of ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2004’ from Global Finance for the 3rd consecutive year and from Euromoney for the 5th consecutive year.

2003

BLOM BANK remains the Largest Bank in Lebanon for 23 consecutive years.

BLOM BANK won the awards of ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2003’ from Euromoney for the 4th consecutive year and from Global Finance for the 3rd consecutive year as well as the “Bank of year” award from The Banker .

BLOM BANK remains the only Lebanese bank to benefit exclusively from the highest financial strength rating BBB+ from Capital Intelligence.

BLOM BANK obtained a license to establish a private bank in Syria and to open a branch in Amman – Jordan.

2002

Mr. Samer Azhari was elected as Group Secretary General in November 2001 in addition to his position as board member of BLOM Bank, Chairman and General Manager of Banque Banorabe and Chairman and General Manager of AROPE Insurance.

BLOM Bank won the award of ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2002’ from Euromoney for the 3rd consecutive year and best bank from Global Finance for the second consecutive year.

BLOM Bank issues preferred shares for the amount of US Dollar 75 million divided into 750 thousand shares of 100 US Dollar each.

2001

BLOM BANK celebrated its 50th anniversary while maintaining, for the 20th consecutive year, its position as ‘The Largest Bank in Lebanon’.

‘Banque du Liban et d’Outre-Mer’ abbreviated its name in English to become BLOM BANK s.a.l. and ‘Banque d’Affaires du Liban et d’Outre-Mer’ changed its name to English becoming BLOMINVEST BANK s.a.l.

The Group also redesigned the logos of all its banking entities.
Mr. Saad AZHARI was elected as Chairman of BLOM Bank Switzerland and Vice-Chairman and General Manager of BLOM BANK while keeping his position as Chairman and General Manager of BLOMINVEST BANK. He was also elected Vice-Chairman of the Association of Banks in Lebanon.

Mr. Samer AZHARI was elected in September 2001 as Chairman and General Manager of Banque Banorabe (starting date: January 14, 2002), in addition to his position as board member and General Manager of BLOM BANK and Chairman and General Manager of AROPE INSURANCE.

BLOM BANK opened a new branch in the Damascus free zone in Syria in September 2001.

BLOM BANK won the award of ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2001’ from the International Institution Euromoney and ‘The Best Bank in Lebanon for 2001’ from Global Finance.

BLOM BANK inaugurated in December 2001 the second building related to its headquarters in Verdun area. The twin buildings are considered a landmark in Lebanon.

2000

BLOM BANK was chosen as the Best Bank in Lebanon by Euromoney. BLOM BANK was assigned the highest rating A- for its domestic financial strength by Capital Intelligence, the rating agency specialized in rating banks in the Middle East.

1999

Dr. Naaman AZHARI was elected as ‘The Best Banking Personality in the Arab World’ by the Association of Arab Banks.
Mr. Samer AZHARI was elected Vice-President of the Lebanese Banking Association.

1998

Mr. Samer AZHARI was elected Chairman and General Manager of the affiliated insurance company of the Group, AROPE INSURANCE.
Mr. Saad was elected Chairman and General Manager of Banque d’Affaires du Liban et d’Outre-Mer.

1997

Mr. Samer AZHARI was elected General Manager of BLOM BANK and Mr. Saad AZHARI, General Manager of BLOM Bank Switzerland and the Group’s General Secretary. BLOM BANK moved its head office and main branch to a new building in Verdun. Mr. Fateh BEKDACH was elected General Manager of the affiliated Insurance Company of the Group, AROPE INSURANCE.

1996

BLOM BANK acquired Banque Banorabe, which in turn owns BLOM Bank Switzerland. Thus, BLOM BANK became the most geographically diverse Lebanese Bank with the largest presence in Europe and the Gulf.

1994

Banque d’Affaires du Liban et d’Outre-Mer, an investment banking subsidiary of BLOM BANK, was established by BLOM BANK. Dr. Fadi OSSEIRAN was appointed General Manager of this Bank.

1993

BLOM BANK opened an offshore banking unit in Limassol, Cyprus.

1992

Banque Banorabe acquired 100% of BLOM Bank Switzerland shares.

1990

Mr. Habib RAHAL was appointed General Manager of BLOM BANK.
Mr. Fawaz KAYAL was appointed Assistant General Manager of BLOM BANK.

1987

Dr. Ezzat TRABOULSI was appointed General Manager of BLOM BANK until he resigned in 1997. He was then appointed Chairman’s advisor of BLOM BANK.

1983

The London branch of BLOM BANK was established. ‘Saoudization' of Jeddah branch due to the decision to Saoudize banks in Saudi Arabia.

1982

BLOM BANK established a branch in Muscat.

1981

BLOM BANK became the Largest Bank in Lebanon

1979

BLOM Bank Switzerland was established in Geneva.

1978

BLOM BANK established a new branch in Sharjah.

1976

La Banque de L’Orient Arabe et d’Outre –Mer (Banorabe), was founded in Paris by BLOM BANK and other Swiss & Arab shareholders.

1975

BLOM BANK established a new branch in Dubai.

1974

Arope Insurance was established with a leading French re-insurance company, LASCOR.

1971

Dr. Naaman Azhari was appointed Chairman and General Manager of BLOM BANK.